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Minutes for City Commission Regular Meeting - 5:05 PM

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, HELD IN THE CITY HALL COMMISSION CHAMBERS, 100 NORTH U.S. #1, FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, AT 5:05 P.M. ON MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026.
 
1.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hudson called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m.
 
2.
OPENING PRAYER - Pastor Howard Riley - Spirit Life Church of God
 
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
 
4.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Commissioner Michael Broderick; Commissioner Arnold Gaines; Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr.; Mayor Linda Hudson
Staff Present:
  • City Manager Richard Chess
  • City Attorney Sara Hedges
  • City Clerk Linda Cox
 
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
 
A.
Approval of the minutes from the December 15, 2025, Regular Meeting. 
 

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Michael Broderick to approve the minutes from the December 15, 2025 regular meeting.

AYE:
Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson

Passed

 
6.
PROCLAMATIONS
 
7.
LETTERS TO COMMISSION
 
8.
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioner Johnson requested to pull item 11I and for a continuation of item 11I to another meeting date to allow for further discussion with the City Attorney Sara Hedges.
 
 

Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to delete item 11I and approve the agenda as amended.

AYE:
Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson

Passed

 
9.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARINGS

Any person who wishes to comment on an agenda item which is not under Public Hearings on the Agenda may be heard at this time and must sign up to speak in advance. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes or less, as directed by the Mayor, as this section of the Agenda is limited to thirty minutes. The City Commission will not be able to take any official actions under Comments from the Public. Speakers will address the Mayor, Commissioners, and the Public with respect. Inappropriate language will not be tolerated.
 
10.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS
 
11.
CONSENT AGENDA
 
A.
Approve recommendation from the Youth Advisory Council seeking approval of the winners of the "If I were elected the Mayor of the City of Fort Pierce" Essay Contest as follows:  First Place - Khen Julia, 11th grade, Home-schooled; Second Place - Gerlexus Thompson, 10th Grade; YouthServ Academy, Inc.; Third Place - Demetrius Cobb, 8th grade, YouthServ Academy, Inc.; Honorable Mention - Meliya Brown, 3rd Grade, YouthServ Academy, Inc.
 
B.
Approval of Grant Agreement Time Extension for FDOT Agreement G2H29 for the construction of the Highwayman Trail Gap SUN Trail project to March 1, 2028.
 
C.
Approval of Amendment No. 1 to the Continuing Services Agreement with Mow 4 Less Lawn Care LLC for Nuisance Abatement Services, RFP No. 2024-048, in the amount of $75,000
 
D.
Approval to Award RFP 2026-007 for Floodplain Services and Inspection Services Software for a three (3) year plan to Forerunner, Inc. of Sanfranciso, CA in the amount of $153,108.00, with two one-year renewals in the amount of $51,036.00 per year.
 
E.
Approval of an Agreement between the City of Fort Pierce and Main Street Fort Pierce, Inc. to provide services from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, for an amount not to exceed $50,000.
 
F.
Approval of an Agreement between the City of Fort Pierce and the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County, Inc. to provide services from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, for an amount not to exceed $62,500.
 
G.
Approval expenditure for proposal from Beemats LLC, New Smyrna Beach, FL, in the amount of $177, 408.00 for the annual harvesting, maintenance, and re-nourishment of vegetated mats at the Indian Hills Recreation Area. 
 
H.
Approval of a Specific Authorization No. 1 with Tetra Tech, Inc. for Community Rating System (CRS) and Climate Resilience Professional Support Services for the Building Department in the amount of $12,000.00
 
I.
PULLED - Approval of the 2026 Operation Agreement between the City of Fort Pierce and Indian River State College (IRSC) for a school resource officer which is funded by IRSC.
 
J.
Approval of Change Order No. 19, General Contractor Services, Expansion of the Paver Garden for an amount not to exceed $14,040 as requested by the City Commission and FPRA.
 
K.
Approval for Mayor Hudson to attend the 2026 Florida League of Cities Legislative Action Days in Tallahassee, Florida from January 25 to January 28, 2026, at a cost of $1,366.97.
 
L.
Approval for Commissioner Johnson to attend the 2026 Florida League of Cities Legislative Action Days in Tallahassee, Florida from January 25 to January 28, 2026, at a cost of $1,366.97.
 
M.
Approval authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Agreement to share the cost of a Joint Workshop between St. Lucie County, the City of Fort Pierce and Strategic Government Resources, Inc. (SGR) in the amount of $8,250.00 for professional services representing the City's share plus expenses in accordance with the agreement.
 
N.
Approval of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) JAG-Countywide Grant award (JG205) in the amount of $28,133.67 to purchase desktop computers for the department.
 
O.
Approval of the collective bargaining agreement wage opener article between the City of Fort Pierce and Coastal Florida Police Benevolent Association (Police Officer Unit) October 1, 2024 - September 30, 2027.
 
P.
Approval of the collective bargaining agreement wage re-opener article between the City of Fort Pierce and Coastal Florida Police Benevolent Association (SGT & LT Unit) October 1, 2024 - September 30, 2027.
Commissioner Michael Broderick pulled items 11F and 11P. Commissioner Arnold Gaines pulled item 11K.
 
 

Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve the Consent Agenda excluding items 11F, 11K, and 11P.

AYE:
Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson

Passed

As to item 11F, Commissioner Michael Broderick requested clarification if this agreement includes the assistance of the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County Inc. (EDC) in annexation, planning, etc. City Manager, Richard Chess, stated he would seek clarification if annexation and the King’s Highway Jobs Corridor is included in this agreement or if it’s a separate agreement. City Clerk, Linda Cox, stated that Annexation is not a part of the services within this agreement. Commissioner Michael Broderick requested further information about if annexation and the King’s Highway Jobs Corridor can be included in the umbrella of services this agreement covers and if not, what is the cost for the separate services.
 
 

Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve agenda item 11F and to clarify the services covered by the agreement between the City of Fort Pierce and the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County Inc.

AYE:
Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson

Passed

As to item 11K, Commissioner Arnold Gaines provided the Public with a brief explanation as to why Mayor Linda Hudson and Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. are seeking approval of travel to the 2026 Florida League of Cities Legislative Action Days in Tallahassee, Florida. Commissioner Arnold Gaines informed the Public that the Mayor and Commissioner Johnson going is beneficial for the City of Fort Pierce as they bring local issues up to the state level. Commissioner Michael Broderick also voiced his appreciation of the Mayor and Commissioner Johnson for going to the conference to represent and fight for Fort Pierce at a state level. Commissioner Curtis Johnson Jr. shared that the 2026 Florida League of Cities Legislative Action Days is to meet with other elected officials on selective committees that Legislative bills are impacting to ensure they have a collective voice of how said bills will impact the 411 cities across the state of Florida.
 
 

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Michael Broderick to approve agenda item 11K.

AYE:
Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson

Passed

As to item 11P, Commissioner Michael Broderick sought clarification if the negotiations are already completed and that the approval is only for the economic portion of the wage re-opener. Human Resources Manager, Jared Sorensen, confirmed that this agreement is only for the economic portion of the wage re-opener and that the wages for the sergeants and lieutenants will be retroactive back to October 1, 2025. Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. asked Mr. Sorensen to how this wage reopener will be affecting or change the STEP program for the sergeants and lieutenants to get to their respective levels of compensation. Mr. Sorensen offered clarification that, upon the negotiation team meeting with Union representatives, this agreement will allow the City to increase the limit of the STEP program to ensure that the City stays competitive compensation wise.
 
 

Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve agenda item 11P.

AYE:
Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson

Passed

 
12.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Quasi-Judicial Hearings follow a strict set of rules and procedures which can be found on the City’s website using this link: https://www.cityoffortpierce.com/DocumentCenter/View/6740/Quasi-Judicial-Procedures. All Quasi-Judicial decisions by the City Commission must be based on competency substantial evidence. Competent substantial evidence is evidence which will establish a substantial basis from which the fact at issue can reasonably be inferred. It includes fact or opinion evidence offered by an expert on a matter that requires specialized knowledge and that is relevant to the issues to be decided. It is evidence a reasonable mind could accept as having probative weight and adequate to support a legal conclusion. Hypothetical, speculative, fear or emotion based generalized statements that do not address the relevant issues and that cannot be reasonably said to support the action advocated, are not competent substantial evidence.
 
A.
Legislative Hearing - Ordinance 25-038 - Review and approval of a Voluntary Annexation by owner, Bernard Jones of Round Hill Development Group, Inc., to extend the territorial limits of the City of Fort Pierce, Florida, to include one (1) parcel at or near 906 Skylark Drive. The proposed City Future Land Use designation is Medium-Density Residential (RM), and the Zoning designation is Medium-Density Residential (R-4). Parcel ID: 2427-702-0115-000-1. SECOND READING
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the Ordinance, read by title only, into the record.

AN ORDINANCE EXTENDING THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, TO INCLUDE ONE (1) PARCEL AT OR NEAR 906 SKYLARK DRIVE, AND SHOWN ON EXHIBIT A; DIRECTING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER TO ASSESS SAID PROPERTY AND PLACE IT ON THE CITY TAX ROLLS AS OF JANUARY 1, 2026; DIRECTING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR TO COLLECT TAXES ON THE HEREIN DESCRIBED PROPERTY; ESTABLISHING THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (R-4); ESTABLISHING THE LAND USE DESIGNATION OF MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (RM); DIRECTING FILING OF THE ORDINANCE WITH THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT AND CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY; DIRECTING REVISION OF THE CHARTER BOUNDARY ARTICLE TO BE FILED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND SUBMITTED TO THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC RESEARCH; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.   Seeing no movement, she returned to the Commission for a motion.
 
 

Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve item 12A.

AYE:
Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson

Passed

 
B.
Legislative Hearing - Ordinance 26-001 - Amending Chapter 8, Article II, Section 8-19 of the Code of Ordinances to Extend the FPRA Sunset Date to Its Original Expiration of December 8, 2042.  FIRST READING
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the Ordinance, read by title only, into the record.
 
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CHAPTER 8, ARTICLE II – REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, SEC. 8-19 – ESTABLISHMENT; PURPOSE, AS FOLLOWS: AMENDING SECTION 8-19 TO EXTEND THE EXPIRATION DATE OF THE FORT PIERCE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (FPRA) TO DECEMBER 8, 2042 AS AUTHORIZED UNDER SECTION 163.3755, FLORIDA STATUTES; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Mayor Hudson opened the Public Hearing.   Seeing no movement, she returned to the Commission for a motion.
 
 

Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve item 12B.

AYE:
Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson

Passed

 
13.
CITY COMMISSION
 
A.
Selection of Mayor Pro Tem pursuant to Section 23 of the City Charter which requires the City Commission to select one (1) of their number as Mayor Pro Tem at the first regular meeting following January 1.
City Clerk Linda Cox stated that typically Chair 2 will serve as Mayor Pro Tem, as Chair 2 is currently vacant and recommended Commissioner Arnold Gaines serves as Mayor Pro Tem.
 

Motion was made by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Michael Broderick to appoint Commissioner Arnold Gaines as Mayor Pro Tem.

AYE:
Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson

Passed

 
B.
Resolution No. 26-R01 reappointing Brandon Nobile to the Fort Pierce Housing Authority.
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the resolution, read by title only, into the record.

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE MAYOR'S REAPPOINTMENT OF BRANDON NOBILE AS A COMMISSIONER OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

City Clerk Linda Cox suggested to provide the contact information for the Board members of the Fort Pierce Housing Authority.
 
 

Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. to approve item 13B.

AYE:
Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson

Passed

 
C.
Resolution No. 26-R02 appointing Betty Lesane to the Fort Pierce Parks Advisory Committee as Commissioner Gaines' appointee.
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the resolution, read by title only, into the record.

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
 
 

Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Michael Broderick to approve item 13C.

AYE:
Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., Mayor Linda Hudson

Passed

 
14.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Any person who wishes to comment on any subject may be heard at this time. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes or less, as directed by the Mayor, as this section of the Agenda is limited to thirty minutes. The City Commission will not be able to take any official actions under Comments from the Public. Speakers will address the Mayor, Commissioners, and the Public with respect. Inappropriate language will not be tolerated.
Edgar Coatmen
Jamerick Morrell
 
 
15.
COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
City Manager Richard Chess has one update; Mr. Chess is hoping to bring up the Police Chief Contract in the next City Commission Day meeting, January 12, 2026. Human Resources Manager Jared Sorensen confirmed the anticipated start date for the New Police Chief is February 1, 2026.
 
City Clerk Linda Cox reminded everyone that Early Voting is currently going on until Saturday, January 10, 2026, and the Special Election is to take place Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Ms. Cox reminded the Commission that the FPUA Water Reclamation Facility Ribbon Cutting is Friday, January 9, 2026.
 
 
A.
Reports
 
16.
COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION
Commissioner Arnold Gaines touched on the Public Comment regarding the trash in Fort Pierce and shared his frustration with the trash and littering in Fort Pierce. Commissioner Gaines shared that the St. Lucie County Martin Luther King Celebration events began on Sunday, January 4, 2026, and suggested for the Community to attend the events if possible. Commissioner Gaines urged the Community to go out and vote for the Special Election.

Commissioner Michael Broderick thanked the Commission for all showing up to the Annual Rufus Alexander Memorial Toy Drive Event as it was a nice representation of the Board. Commissioner Broderick was thankful that New Year's Eve was a calm and collected night and wishes that the rest of the year will also follow precedent.

Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. thanked and expressed appreciation for the staff who worked through the holidays. Commissioner Johnson also thanked the City Manager and his team and other supporting staff for working on the new Chief of Police’s contract approval. Commissioner Johnson is looking forward to the continued participation in the Martin Luther King activities and engaging with the Community.

Mayor Linda Hudson touched on the Public Comment regarding the Mayor and Commissioner Johnson’s travel to Tallahassee and informed that the reason for going to the conference is to advocate for the city at a state level. Mayor Hudson shared that the FPUA Water Reclamation Facility Ribbon Cutting taking place Friday, January 9, 2026, is at 10:30 a.m. out West. Mayor Hudson also reminded that the Historic Fest is taking place Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the History Center.
 
 
17.
ADJOURNMENT

Immediately following adjournment, please move toward the doors and exit the chambers. This allows for the safe and courteous exit of all persons, and those on the dais. Conversations after the meeting should be held outside of chambers, in the foyer or elsewhere, but not in the commission chambers where lights will be out as soon as the chambers are empty.
Mayor Hudson adjourned the meeting at 5:47 p.m.
 
ATTEST:

____________________________ _________________________________
CITY CLERK
MAYOR COMMISSIONER